Nokomis and Osprey sit in a sweet spot between Sarasota and Venice where the fishing is excellent, and the boat pressure is relatively low. Shakett Creek — a winding tidal mangrove creek that drains into Little Sarasota Bay — is one of the most productive backcountry kayak fishing destinations in the entire region. Roberts Bay, the Dona Bay system, and the ICW south of Blackburn Point Bridge complete a fishing menu that keeps serious anglers busy year-round.
Economy Tackle is minutes from the Nokomis Beach ramp. We stock live shrimp and bait, carry all the tackle you need for this fishery, and our staff fishes these same creeks regularly.
Most anglers driving between Sarasota and Venice don’t stop in Nokomis. That’s your advantage. The fishing pressure in the Shakett Creek system is dramatically lower than at comparable spots on Siesta Key or in central Sarasota Bay, and the fish haven’t been educated by constant angling pressure. If you can read tides and work tight quarters with a kayak, Nokomis rewards you.
GPS: 27.128571867386896, -82.4695342508424
The primary launch for Shakett Creek and Little Sarasota Bay. Easy ramp with good parking. From here, paddle south under the Albee Road Bridge and into the Shakett Creek system. Plan your entry and exit around the tide; the creek gets very shallow at low water, and tidal current can rip through the Venice Inlet area on exchanges. Time your paddle accordingly.
GPS: 27.179730312634774, -82.49175888548676
Excellent access to Little Sarasota Bay’s grass flats and mangrove shorelines. Blackburn Point Bridge itself is a productive snook and sheepshead structure. Good parking and a relaxed launch environment.
GPS: 27.195905864577387, -82.48825063546165
Bay View Park is a local gem in Osprey that most people don’t know about, which is exactly what makes it worth knowing. It offers quiet bay access with significantly less boat traffic than the main Sarasota launches, and productive trout and redfish flats within easy paddling distance. A great alternative for anglers who want to avoid the weekend crowds.
Note: dedicated kayak launches are also being developed in the Osprey area by Sarasota County; check with Economy Tackle for the latest access updates.
Shakett Creek deserves its own section because it’s genuinely one of the best backcountry kayak fishing spots in southwest Florida. Here’s how to fish it:
Launch from Nokomis Beach ramp, paddle south under Albee Road Bridge, enter creek on left
Outgoing — the falling water flushes bait from the creek and concentrates snook at the mouth and along the banks
Large fish hold behind every mangrove root. Cast a weedless gold spoon or live shrimp parallel to the bank. Work slowly.
Present throughout the creek on both tides; concentrated near oyster bars
Year-round under the canopy on light tackle with live shrimp
September is peak snook season in the creek systems. Outgoing tide morning sessions are the most productive of the year.
Increasing activity as fall approaches. The oyster bars in Little Sarasota Bay and the creek edges both produce.
Returning to Roberts Bay and Little Sarasota Bay grass flats on incoming tides.
Starting to show on the Blackburn Point Bridge pilings and dock structure in Osprey.
September into October is strong for flounder on sandy bottom near the creek mouths.
7-foot medium spinning, 20 lb braid, 20–25 lb fluoro leader — one rod covers Shakett Creek and the open bay flats
Weedless gold spoon (#1 choice), DOA shrimp weightless on 3/0 hook, live free-lined shrimp
DOA CAL jerkbait, MirrOlure 52M, Berkley Gulp! on 1/8 oz jig
Economy Tackle carries live shrimp — call ahead to confirm availability before driving in
A paddle kayak works perfectly in Shakett Creek’s tight quarters; a short 10–12 foot sit-on-top is ideal
We’re the closest full-service bait and tackle shop to the Nokomis and Osprey launch sites. Live bait, local tackle, kayak sales and accessories, and a current fishing report from staff who fish the same water you’re about to paddle.
